Dr. Susana Monsó examines how various animals, including orcas, exhibit behaviors surrounding death that resonate with human experiences of loss.
Insights on Death: What Animals Teach Us About Grief
Insights on Death: What Animals Teach Us About Grief
A philosopher explores emotional responses to death across species, inspiring reflection on human perspectives.
In the summer of 2018, the waters off British Columbia witnessed a poignant moment involving an orca named Tahlequah. After giving birth to a calf that tragically lived for only half an hour, Tahlequah's refusal to release the lifeless body captivated both the public and scientists alike. She carried her deceased offspring for over two weeks, often balancing the tiny body on her nose while swimming. This profound display of grief quickly gained viral attention, drawing comments from many observers who found it relatable.
“When a mother clings to her deceased young for 17 days, it invokes a sense of shared experience for those who have faced loss,” remarked Dr. Susana Monsó, a philosopher specializing in animal cognition at the National Distance Education University in Madrid. Her interest lies deeply rooted in understanding capacities that many deem unique to humans, with the topic of death emerging as particularly fascinating.
However, the scientist underscores the importance of caution when interpreting animal behavior through a human lens. Anthropomorphism can lead to misconceptions, as stated by Dr. Monsó. Yet, she argues that it is equally misleading to dismiss the possibility that animals possess emotional and cognitive traits related to death.
In her recent publication titled "Playing Possum," Dr. Monsó contends that many animal species demonstrate an at least basic understanding of death and its implications. Her insights shed light on how grief is not exclusively a human emotion, advocating for a broader perspective on the animal kingdom’s responses to mortality.
During a recent discussion with The New York Times, Dr. Monsó delved deeper into her exploration of comparative thanatology, the study of how different species grapple with death. The conversation reflects a growing recognition that the intricate web of life and death extends beyond humans, inviting more profound reflections on emotional connections universally shared among beings.
“When a mother clings to her deceased young for 17 days, it invokes a sense of shared experience for those who have faced loss,” remarked Dr. Susana Monsó, a philosopher specializing in animal cognition at the National Distance Education University in Madrid. Her interest lies deeply rooted in understanding capacities that many deem unique to humans, with the topic of death emerging as particularly fascinating.
However, the scientist underscores the importance of caution when interpreting animal behavior through a human lens. Anthropomorphism can lead to misconceptions, as stated by Dr. Monsó. Yet, she argues that it is equally misleading to dismiss the possibility that animals possess emotional and cognitive traits related to death.
In her recent publication titled "Playing Possum," Dr. Monsó contends that many animal species demonstrate an at least basic understanding of death and its implications. Her insights shed light on how grief is not exclusively a human emotion, advocating for a broader perspective on the animal kingdom’s responses to mortality.
During a recent discussion with The New York Times, Dr. Monsó delved deeper into her exploration of comparative thanatology, the study of how different species grapple with death. The conversation reflects a growing recognition that the intricate web of life and death extends beyond humans, inviting more profound reflections on emotional connections universally shared among beings.
